Preparing to thru hike the Calendar Year Triple Crown with Stella

In this episode of The Free Outside Podcast, I chat with thru-hiker and content creator Stella Hikes, who is preparing for one of the biggest challenges in long-distance hiking—the Calendar Year Triple Crown. Stella shares her hiking background, the inspiration behind attempting this ambitious feat, and the intense planning process required to hike the Appalachian Trail (AT), Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), and Continental Divide Trail (CDT) in a single year.

We dive into her experience on the long trails, her approach to efficiency and nutrition, her strategy for tackling snow and weather challenges, and the importance of storytelling and content creation on the trail. I also shares insights from my own Calendar Year Triple Crown in 2016, including snow struggles, gear choices, and the evolution of thru-hiking.

🎙️ Topics Covered:

Stella’s thru-hiking journey (PCT, AT, CDT sections)

Choosing a trail name and its evolution

The emotional and physical challenges of trail work

How she discovered thru-hiking and her early struggles

The moment she committed to the Calendar Year Triple Crown

Jeff’s experience doing the Calendar Year Triple Crown in 2016

Planning logistics, food strategy, gear selection

The impact of climate change on long trails

The challenges and rewards of vlogging a long thru-hike

📍 Follow Stella:

YouTube & Instagram: @StellaHikes

Podcast Chapters:

⏱️ 00:00 – Intro to the Episode & Guest: Stella

⏱️ 00:26 – Stella’s Thru-Hiking Resume (PCT, AT, CDT sections)

⏱️ 01:17 – Trail Names & Their Stories

⏱️ 04:04 – Stella’s First Backpacking Trips & Discovering Thru-Hiking

⏱️ 08:16 – The Hardest Part of Trail Work & Gaining Confidence

⏱️ 11:28 – From Failed AT Sections to a Full PCT Thru-Hike

⏱️ 13:27 – Committing to the Calendar Year Triple Crown

⏱️ 17:44 – Jeff’s 2016 Calendar Year Triple Crown Experience

⏱️ 19:51 – The Key to Efficiency: Town Stops, Planning & Adaptability

⏱️ 25:09 – Stella’s Trail Plan & Avoiding Deep Snow

⏱️ 28:12 – The Importance of Efficiency in Gear & Resupply

⏱️ 36:05 – Nutrition Strategy: Ditching Sugar & Prioritizing Protein

⏱️ 41:32 – Jeff & Stella Discuss the Pros & Cons of Sugar on Trail

⏱️ 43:29 – The Art of Vlogging & Bringing the Audience Along

⏱️ 49:11 – How Stella Creates & Edits Content on Trail

⏱️ 55:26 – Stella’s Gear Breakdown (Pack, Tent, Sleep System)

⏱️ 1:01:44 – The Evolution of Thru-Hiking & Climate Change’s Impact

⏱️ 1:08:55 – Final Thoughts & Where to Follow Stella

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